Image heating device using induction heating for image heating

Abstract

In an image heating device for heating a film utilizing electromagnetic induction, a sliding member is provided between the film and a film supporting member, and the film slides relative to the sliding member. It is thereby possible to improve thermal efficiency while preventing wear due to friction between the film and the supporting member.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An image heating device comprising: a film having a conductive portion,   magnetic-flux generation means for generating a magnetic flux, an eddy current being generated in said film by the magnetic flux generated by said magnetic-flux generation means, said film being heated by the eddy current,   wherein an image on a recording material is heated by heat of said film;   a supporting member for supporting said film; and   a sliding member provided between said film and said supporting member, wherein said sliding member has a thickness of 10-1000 μm.   
     
     
       2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said sliding member is fixed on said supporting member. 
     
     
       3. A device according to claim 1, wherein said sliding member comprises an endless film loosely fitted around said supporting member. 
     
     
       4. A device according to claim 3, wherein said sliding member comprises a plurality of films. 
     
     
       5. A device according to claim 1, wherein said sliding member is comprised of a fluororesin. 
     
     
       6. A device according to claim 1, wherein said sliding member is comprised of a polyimide resin. 
     
     
       7. A device according to claim 1, wherein said sliding member is comprised of glass. 
     
     
       8. A device according to claim 1, wherein said sliding member is comprised of a ceramic material. 
     
     
       9. A device according to claim 1, wherein a thermal resistance of said sliding member is at least 3.3×10 -4  m 2  ·K/W. 
     
     
       10. A device according to claim 1, wherein a heat capacity of said sliding member is no more than 10 J/K. 
     
     
       11. A device according to claim 1, wherein said film comprises an endless film loosely fitted around said supporting member. 
     
     
       12. A device according to claim 11, wherein said film comprises a conductive portion on a surface facing said supporting member. 
     
     
       13. A device according to claim 12, wherein said conductive portion comprises a metallic layer. 
     
     
       14. A device according to claim 13, wherein said film further comprises an elastic layer on said metallic layer, and a releasing layer on said elastic layer. 
     
     
       15. A device according to claim 1, wherein said magnetic-flux generation means comprises an exciting coil and a core. 
     
     
       16. A device according to claim 1, wherein said supporting member is fixed relative to said magnetic-flux generation means. 
     
     
       17. A device according to claim 1, wherein said supporting member is comprised of one of PPS, PEEK and a phenol-resin. 
     
     
       18. A device according to claim 1, wherein said supporting member also supports said magnetic-flux generation means. 
     
     
       19. A device according to claim 1, further comprising a backup member for forming a nip portion with said supporting member with said film disposed between said backup member and said supporting member. 
     
     
       20. A device according to claim 19, wherein said sliding member is provided at at least said nip portion. 
     
     
       21. A device according to claim 19, wherein said backup member comprises a pressing roller. 
     
     
       22. A device according to claim 21, wherein said pressing roller drives said film. 
     
     
       23. A device according to claim 1, wherein said film slides relative to said supporting member.